Five Killed, Including Two Children, as Moving Bus Catches Fire in Lucknow
A tragic incident in Lucknow saw five people, including two children, killed when a private bus carrying 80 passengers caught fire while in motion. The mishap occurred early Thursday morning around 5 am in the Mohanlalganj area on Kisan Path. Police have initiated an investigation into the cause of the fire that engulfed the bus, leading to the fatalities and raising concerns about passenger safety.
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The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation. However, eyewitnesses reported that the fire erupted near the gearbox, and officials noted the presence of two gas cylinders on board, which may have intensified the blaze. Mechanical failure or electrical short-circuit are being considered as possible causes.
The bus was carrying about 70 to 80 passengers, mostly laborers and their families traveling from Patna, Bihar to Delhi. Many were reportedly asleep at the time the fire broke out, making evacuation difficult.
Initial investigations revealed that the emergency gate of the bus failed to open during the fire, trapping passengers in the back. This malfunction, combined with the rapid spread of the blaze, prevented several people from escaping in time.
Police and fire officials responded promptly, battling the fire and recovering the victims' remains. The deceased were sent for post-mortem. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed condolences, ordered medical care for the injured, and directed accelerated relief efforts while investigations continue.